Home Inns & Hotels Management Inc.
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Home Inns & Hotels Management Inc. (ticker: HMIN, exchange: Privately Held) News Release - 5-Mar-2009

Home Inns Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2008 Financial Results

Full Year Revenues Increased over 85% to RMB 1.87 Billion

Home Inns Chain Consisted of 471 Hotels in Operation as of December 31, 2008

SHANGHAI, March 5 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Home Inns & Hotels Management Inc. (Nasdaq: HMIN), a leading economy hotel chain in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2008.

    Fourth Quarter 2008 Financial Highlights
    -- Total revenues for the quarter increased 64.6% year-over-year to RMB
       539.2 million (US $79.0 million).
    -- Net income for the quarter was RMB 114.6 million (US $16.8 million),
       including share-based compensation expenses of RMB 8.8 million (US $1.3
       million), gain of RMB 103.3 million (US $15.1 million) from
       repurchasing of its own convertible bonds, and RMB 0.6 million (US $0.1
       million) foreign exchange gain. This compares to a net loss of RMB 15.2
       million in the fourth quarter of 2007, which included share based
       compensation of RMB 4.6 million (US $0.6 million) and foreign exchange
       losses of RMB 24.1 million (US $3.3 million).
    -- Income from operations was RMB 16.5 million (US $2.4 million), an
       increase of 18.6% year-over-year. Income from operations excluding
       share-based compensation expenses (non-GAAP) was RMB 25.3 million
       (US $3.7 million), an increase of 9.2% year-over-year.
    -- EBITDA (non-GAAP) was RMB 181.2 million (US $26.6 million). Excluding
       foreign exchange (gain)/losses, share-based compensation expenses, and
       gain from repurchasing of its own convertible bonds, adjusted EBITDA
       (non-GAAP) was RMB 86.1 million (US $12.6 million), and increase of
       55.6% year-over-year.
    -- Diluted earnings per ADS were RMB 0.32 (US $0.05). Adjusted diluted
       earnings per ADS (Non-GAAP) were RMB 0.54 (US $0.08). As used in this
       press release, adjusted basic and diluted earnings per ADS (non-GAAP)
       both exclude foreign exchange (gain)/losses, share-based compensation
       expenses and gain from Home Inns' repurchase of its own convertible
       bonds. Please refer to "Reconciliations of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results"
       at the end of this press release.

    Full Year Financial 2008 Highlights
    -- Total revenues for the year increased 85.4% year-over-year to RMB 1.87
       billion (US $274.3 million).
    -- Net income for the year was RMB 101.2 million (US $14.8 million). Net
       income was reduced by foreign exchange losses of RMB 65.5 million (US
       $9.6 million) and share-based compensation of RMB 24.8 million (US
       $3.6 million), and increased by gain from its own convertible bonds
       repurchase of RMB 103.3 million (US $15.1 million). This compares to a
       net income of RMB 35.8 million (US $4.9 million) in 2007, which
       included share based compensation of RMB 15.1 million (US $2.1 million)
       and foreign exchange losses of RMB 53.2 million (US $7.3 million).
    -- Income from operations was RMB 81.8 million (US $12.0 million), a
       decline of 23.3% year-over-year. Income from operations excluding
       share-based compensation expenses (Non-GAAP) declined by 15.6% to RMB
       106.6 million (US $15.6 million), primarily due to heavy hotel
       pre-opening expenses resulting from our rapid expansion, slow ramp up
       of the Top Star hotels that we acquired in the fourth quarter of 2007
       in which had negative impact on overall margins, and the overall
       economic slowdown in the fourth quarter.
    -- EBITDA (non-GAAP) for the year was RMB 323.9 million (US $47.5 million).
       Excluding foreign exchange losses, share-based compensation expenses,
       and gain from repurchasing of its own convertible bonds, adjusted
       EBITDA (non-GAAP) was RMB 311.0 million (US $45.6 million), an increase
       of 43.2% from the previous year.
    -- Diluted earnings per ADS were RMB 0.09 (US $0.01). Adjusted diluted
       earnings per ADS (non-GAAP) were RMB 2.40 (US $0.35). Please refer to
       the table at the end of the press release for reconciliation between
       adjusted diluted earnings per ADS versus US GAAP reported figures.

"2008 was a challenging year for us. Although we achieved our revenue and expansion targets, our operational metrics and bottom-line results were negatively impacted by a number of factors, including the recent economic slowdown," remarked Mr. David Sun, Home Inns' Chief Executive Officer. "Although there are still great uncertainties regarding the economic conditions and the demand for travel in China for 2009, we are now the clear leader in the economy hotels industry in China as evidenced by our large number of hotels, broad geographic coverage, and an ever-expanding Home Inns member network. We believe that our product continues to be affordable and appealing to business travelers under the current economic conditions. We will be prudent in our expansion strategy and financial planning at this time, but there is no change in our view on the large growth potential of China's economy hotel industry in the long term."

    Operational Highlights
    -- During the fourth quarter of 2008, Home Inns opened 57 net new hotels,
       and in the entire year 2008 Home Inns opened 205 net new hotels. As of
       December 31, 2008, the Home Inns hotel chain consisted of 471 hotels in
       operation with an average of 118 rooms per hotel in operation. Our
       hotels in operation cover 94 cities in China and consist of 326
       leased-and-operated hotels, which include one H Hotel, our new hotel
       concept with upgraded facilities and higher price level, and 145
       franchised-and-managed hotels.
    -- As of December 31, 2008, Home Inns had an additional 50
       leased-and-operated hotels and 32 franchised-and-managed hotels
       contracted and under development.
    -- The occupancy rate for hotels in operation in the Home Inns hotel chain
       was 84.1% in the fourth quarter of 2008, compared with 88.3% in the
       same period in 2007, and 85.9% in the previous quarter. For the 2008
       year, occupancy was 85.0%, compared with 91.1% in 2007. The decline in
       occupancy rates sequentially and year over year was due to a number of
       external reasons, including the May 2008 earthquake in Sichuan province,
       the Beijing Olympics and the overall economic slowdown, as well as
       internal factors including acquisition integration and slower ramp up
       of new hotels in new and lower tier cities. Seasonality also
       contributed to the sequential decline.
    -- RevPAR, defined as revenue per available room, was RMB141 in the fourth
       quarter of 2008, compared with RMB155 in the same period in 2007 and
       RMB155 in the previous quarter. For the 2008 year, RevPAR was RMB 147,
       compared with RMB163 in 2007. RevPAR was impacted by the same factors
       that impacted occupancy rates, as well as lower room rates in lower
       tier cities while the proportion of our hotels in such cities increased.
    -- RevPAR for Home Inns' hotels which had been in operation for at least
       18 months during the quarter was RMB 173 for the fourth quarter of 2008,
       compared to RevPAR of RMB 180 for the fourth quarter of 2007. This
       decrease primarily resulted from the reduced business travel activities
       in China due to the recent economic slowdown.
    -- For the fourth quarter of 2008, our Top Star hotels generated revenue
       of RMB 39.3 million, and achieved RevPAR of RMB 97.

"In addition to certain external factors, we experienced pressure on our operational metrics in 2008 due to our absorption of the acquired Top Star hotels and rapid organic expansion. We have seen the internal pressure starting to ease towards the end of 2008, and we believe this will continue to work in our favor during 2009," continued Mr. Sun.

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2008 Financial Results

For the fourth quarter of 2008, Home Inns' total revenues increased by 64.6% year-over-year to RMB 539.2 million (US $79.0 million), including revenues of RMB 39.3 million (US $5.8 million) from the Top Star hotel chain. Total revenues for the year were to RMB 1.87 billion (US $274.3 million), an increase of 85.4% year-over-year. Revenues from Top Star hotels were RMB 144.9 million (US $21.2 million) for the year.

Total revenues from leased-and-operated hotels for the fourth quarter of 2008 were RMB 507.4 million (US $74.4 million), representing a 62.4% increase year-over-year and a 1.6% increase sequentially. Home Inns opened a net of 35 new leased-and-operated hotels during the fourth quarter of 2008.

For the year 2008, total revenues from leased-and-operated hotels were RMB 1.77 billion (US $259.7 million), representing an 84.0% increase year-over- year. Home Inns opened a net of 131 new leased-and-operated hotels during the year.

Total revenues from franchised-and-managed hotels for the fourth quarter of 2008 were RMB 31.8 million (US $4.7 million), representing a 109.7% increase year-over-year and a 13.9% increase sequentially. Home Inns opened a net of 22 new franchised-and-managed hotels during the fourth quarter of 2008.

For the year 2008, total revenues from franchised-and-managed hotels were RMB 99.8 million (US $14.6 million), representing a 115.7% increase year-over-year. Home Inns opened a net of 74 new franchised-and-managed hotels during the year 2008.

Total operating costs and expenses for the fourth quarter of 2008 were RMB 490.4 million (US $71.9 million). Total operating costs and expenses excluding share-based compensation expenses (non-GAAP) for the quarter were RMB 481.6 million (US $70.6 million), or 89.3% of total revenues.

Total operating expenses for 2008 were RMB 1.68 billion (US $245.9 million). Total operating expenses excluding share-based compensation expenses (non-GAAP) were RMB 1.65 billion (US $242.3 million) or 88.3% of total revenues. Description of the major items included in total operating expenses is as follows.

Total leased-and-operated hotel costs for the fourth quarter of 2008 were RMB 439.6 million (US $64.4 million), representing 86.7% of the leased-and-operated hotel revenues. Total leased-and-operated hotel costs represented 80.4% of the leased-and-operated hotel revenues for the same quarter in 2007 and 81.4% for the previous quarter. The increase in percentage compared to the previous quarter as well as the year ago period was particularly due to the lowered occupancy rate as a result of the factors previously discussed. On a year over year basis, the rate of increase has moderated compared with previous quarters.

For the year 2008, total leased-and-operated hotel costs were RMB 1.50 billion (US $219.6 million). Leased-and-operated hotel costs as percentage of leased-and-operated hotel revenues was 84.6% compared with 75.1% in 2007. The increase was due to high pre-opening expenses for hotels under construction as a result of our expansion, unfavorable rental cost ratio for hotels opened during the year as market rental cost increase exceeded room rate increase, and unfavorable cost ratios for hotels in lower tier cities where room rates are lower, but certain costs, such as hotel conversion costs, personnel costs, among others, are not proportionally lower. In addition, lower occupancy rate also had a negative impact as majority of our hotel level costs are fixed.

Sales and marketing expenses for the fourth quarter were RMB 9.6 million (US $1.4 million), an increase of 99.2% year-over-year and of 30.2% sequentially. Sales and marketing expenses increased significantly during the fourth quarter of 2008 due to timing of certain marketing activities. Sales and marketing expenses for 2008 were RMB 27.2 million (US $4.0 million), representing 1.5% of total revenue, compared with 1.9% in 2007.

General and administrative expenses for the fourth quarter were RMB 41.1 million (US $6.0 million). General and administrative expenses excluding share-based compensation expenses (non-GAAP) were RMB 32.4 million (US $4.7 million), or 6.0% of the total revenues, compared with 8.6% of the total revenues in the same period of 2007 and 6.5% in the previous quarter.

General and administrative expenses for the year were RMB 152.6 million (US $22.4 million). General and administrative expenses excluding share-based compensation (non-GAAP) were RMB 127.8 million (US $18.7 million) or 6.8% of total revenues, compared with 7.9% in 2007. The decrease in percentage this year versus the same period last year was primarily due to our larger revenue base.

Income from operations for the quarter was RMB 16.5 million (US $2.4 million). Income from operations excluding share-based compensation expenses (non-GAAP) was RMB 25.3 million (US $3.7 million) or 4.7% of total revenues. This compared with 7.1% for the same period a year ago. Although this margin has decreased year-over-year, the rate of decrease has moderated compared with earlier in the year.

Income from operations for 2008 was RMB 81.8 million (US $12.0 million). Income from operations excluding share-based compensation (non-GAAP) was RMB 106.6 million (US $15.6 million), or 5.7% of total revenues. This compared with 12.5% for the same period a year ago. As discussed above, margin was negatively impacted by the large pre-opening expenses for hotels under construction as a result of our expansion, unfavorable rental cost ratio for hotels opened during the year as market rental cost increase exceeded room rate increase, and unfavorable cost ratios for hotels in lower tier cities where room rates are lower, but certain costs, such as hotel conversion costs, personnel costs, among others, are not proportionally lower. In addition, lower occupancy rate also had a negatively impact as majority of our hotel level costs are fixed. These factors were partially offset by higher franchise revenue, which has no direct costs, and better SG&A ratios as we leverage our increased revenue base.

EBITDA (non-GAAP) for the fourth quarter of 2008 was RMB 181.2 million (US $26.6 million). Excluding foreign exchange (gain)/losses, share-based compensation expenses and gain from repurchase of its own convertible bonds, adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) was RMB 86.1 million (US $12.6 million), an increase of 55.6% from the same period a year ago.

EBITDA (non-GAAP) for the year was RMB 323.9 million (US $47.5 million). Excluding foreign exchange (gain)/losses, share-based compensation expenses and gain from repurchase of its own convertible bonds, adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) was RMB 311.0 million (US $45.6 million), an increase of 43.2% from the same period a year ago.

Net income for the quarter was RMB 114.6 million (US $16.8 million). Excluding foreign exchange (gain)/losses, share-based compensation expenses and gain from repurchase of its own convertible bonds, adjusted net income (non-GAAP) for the fourth quarter of 2008 was RMB 19.5 million (US $2.9 million).

For the full year of 2008, net income was RMB 101.2 million (US $14.8 million). Excluding foreign exchange (gain)/losses, share-based compensation expenses and gain from repurchase of its own convertible bonds, adjusted net income (non-GAAP) for 2008 was RMB 88.3 million (US $12.9 million).

For fourth quarter of 2008, basic and diluted earnings per share were RMB 1.61 (US $0 .24) and RMB 0.16 (US $0.02) respectively, and basic and diluted earnings per ADS were RMB 3.22 (US $0.47) and RMB 0.32 (US $0.05) respectively. The large difference between basic and diluted earnings per share and per ADS is caused by the exclusion of the large gain from repurchase of our own convertible bonds in the diluted earnings calculation as per US GAAP specifications, while this gain was included in the basic earnings per share and per ADS calculation. Excluding foreign exchange losses, share-based compensation expenses and gain from repurchase of our own convertible bonds, adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share (non-GAAP) were RMB 0.27 (US $0.04) and RMB 0.27 (US $0.04), respectively, and adjusted basic and diluted earnings per ADS (non-GAAP) were RMB 0.55 (US $0.08) and RMB 0.54 (US $0.08), respectively.

For the full year of 2008, basic and diluted earnings per share amounted to RMB 1.43 (US $0.21) and RMB 0.04 (US $0.01), respectively, and basic and diluted earnings per ADS were RMB 2.86 (US $0.42) and RMB 0.09 (US $0.01), respectively. Excluding foreign exchange losses, share-based compensation expenses, and gain from repurchase of our own convertible bonds, adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share (non-GAAP) were RMB 1.25 (US $0.18) and RMB 1.20 (US $0.18), respectively, and adjusted basic and diluted earnings per ADS (non-GAAP) were RMB 2.49 (US $0.37) and RMB 2.40 (US $0.35), respectively.

Net operating cash flow for the fourth quarter of 2008 was RMB 114.5 million (US $16.8 million). Capital expenditures for the quarter were RMB 262.0 million (US $38.4 million) of which RMB 232.5 million (US $34.1 million) were cash spent for the purchase of property and equipment.

Net operating cash flow for the full year of 2008 was RMB 356.9 million (US $52.3 million). Capital expenditures for full year of 2008 were RMB 996.4 million (US $146.0 million), of which RMB 828.5 million (US $121.4 million) were cash spent for the purchase of property and equipment.

As of December 31, 2008, Home Inns had cash and cash equivalents and short term investments of RMB 708.4 million (US $103.8 million). The company had RMB 895.7 (US $131.3 million) convertible bonds outstanding including principal and accrued interest. These are zero coupon bonds issued on December 10, 2007, with a maturity of five years, and a yield of 0.50% per annum. The bonds have a non-call and non-put period of three years from the issuance date.

"We faced challenges from both the revenue and cost sides in 2008, and we ran into obstacles when trying to ramp up the acquired Top Star hotels. Although we are currently uncertain regarding future economic conditions, we do see cost pressures easing, and we believe the issues with Top Star have been identified and are being effectively addressed," remarked Ms. May Wu, Chief Financial Officer of Home Inns. "We proactively took advantage of the market conditions to cost-effectively reduce our liability and improve our balance sheet. Our hotels continue to generate healthy operating cash flow, for a total of RMB 356.9 million, or US $52.3 million in 2008."

Outlook for First Quarter and Full Year 2009

Home Inns expects to open 130 to 150 net new hotels in 2009, including approximately 65 leased-and-operated hotels, and 65-85 franchised-and-managed hotels. Based on this plan, Home Inns expects total revenues in the first quarter of 2009 to be in the range of RMB 490 million (US $71.8 million) to RMB 510 million (US $74.8 million). This would represent a 37-43% year-over-year increase, but a slight sequential decrease as the first quarter included the Chinese New Year holidays during which travel activities were substantially reduced. Historically, the impact from this seasonal factor on our revenue was offset by the large number of new hotel openings during the fourth quarter when hotel openings for the year peaked, resulting in revenue base step up in the first quarter of the following year. In 2008, however, we achieved a more evenly distributed quarterly hotel opening schedule throughout the year. For the full year of 2009, Home Inns' total revenues are currently expected to grow 28% to 33% over 2008. This forecast reflects Home Inns' current and preliminary view, which is subject to change.

"We are taking a cautious stance at this time with regards to our near term development plan," concluded Mr. David Sun. "Given our ability to adjust our development plan with a lead time of only four to six months, we have the flexibility to adapt to changes in economic conditions if necessary. We remain keen on maintaining our leadership position in the industry."

Conference Call Information

Home Inns' management will hold an earnings conference call at 8 PM on March 5, 2009 U.S. Eastern Standard Time (9 AM on March 6, 2009 Beijing/Hong Kong time).

    Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:

    China Mainland (toll free): +10-800-130-0399
    Hong Kong:                  +852-3002-1672
    U.S (toll free):            +1-800-299-9086
    U.S. and International:     +1-617-786-2903
    Pass code for all regions:  Home Inns

A replay of the conference call may be accessed by phone at the following numbers until 10PM on March 12, 2009 U.S. Eastern Daylight Time.

    US toll free:  +1-888-286-8010
    International: +1-617-801-6888
    Passcode:      66511011

Additionally, a live and archived webcast of this conference call will be available at http://english.homeinns.com .

About Home Inns

Home Inns is a leading economy hotel chain in China based on the number of hotels and hotel rooms, as well as the geographic coverage of the hotel chain. Since Home Inns commenced operations in 2002, it has become one of the best-known economy hotel brands in China. Home Inns offers a consistent product and high-quality services to primarily serve the fast growing population of value-conscious individual business and leisure travelers who demand clean, comfortable and convenient lodging. Home Inns' ADSs, each of which represents two ordinary shares, are currently trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol "HMIN." For more information about Home Inns, please visit http://english.homeinns.com .

Safe Harbor

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, the outlook for the first quarter of full year 2009 and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Home Inns' strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Home Inns may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to first parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Home Inns' beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: our anticipated growth strategies; our future business development, results of operations and financial condition; expected changes in our revenues and certain cost or expense items; economic downturn in China; our ability to attract customers and leverage our brand; trends and competition in the lodging industry; our ability to hire, train and retain qualified managerial and other employees; our ability to develop new hotels at desirable locations in a timely and cost-effective manner; the expected growth of the Chinese economy hotel market; and Chinese governmental policies relating to private managers and operators of hotels and applicable tax rates.

Further information regarding these and other risks is included in our annual report on Form 20-F and other documents filed with the SEC. Home Inns does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of March 5, 2009, and Home Inns undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement Home Inns' un-audited consolidated financial results presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, Home Inns uses the following non-GAAP measures defined as non-GAAP financial measures by the SEC: total operating expenses excluding share-based compensation expenses, general and administrative expenses excluding share-based compensation expenses, income from operations excluding share-based expenses, adjusted net income excluding foreign exchange losses, share-based compensation and gain from the repurchase of its convertible bonds, adjusted basic and diluted earnings and ADS per share excluding foreign exchange losses, share-based compensation and gain from the repurchase of its convertible bonds, EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA excluding foreign exchange losses, share-based compensation and gain from the repurchase of its convertible bonds. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned "Reconciliations of GAAP and non-GAAP results" set forth at the end of this release.

Home Inns believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding its performance and liquidity by excluding share-based expenses that may not be indicative of its operating performance from a cash perspective and by excluding foreign exchange losses which may not be indicative of its operating performance. Home Inns believes that both management and investors benefit from referring to these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing its performance and when planning and forecasting future periods. These non-GAAP financial measures also facilitate management's internal comparisons to Home Inns' historical performance and liquidity. Home Inns computes its non-GAAP financial measures using the same consistent method from quarter to quarter. Home Inns believes these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors in allowing for greater transparency with respect to supplemental information used by management in its financial and operational decision making. A limitation of using non-GAAP financial measures excluding share-based compensation expenses is that share-based compensation expenses have been and will continue to be a significant recurring expense in our business. Management compensates for these limitations by providing specific information regarding the GAAP amounts excluded from each non-GAAP measure. The accompanying tables have more details on the reconciliations between GAAP financial measures that are most directly comparable to non-GAAP financial measures.

Home Inns' management also believes that EBITDA, defined as earnings before interest, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization is a useful financial metric to assess our operating and financial performance before the impact of investing and financing transactions and income taxes. In addition, Home Inns' management believes that EBITDA is widely used by other companies in the lodging industry and may be used by investors as a measure of our financial performance. Given the significant investments that Home Inns has made in property, plant and equipment, depreciation and amortization expense comprises a meaningful portion of our cost structure. Home Inns' management believes that EBITDA will provide investors with a useful tool for comparability between periods because it eliminates depreciation and amortization expense attributable to capital expenditures. The presentation of EBITDA should not be construed as an indication that our future results will be unaffected by other charges and gains we consider to be outside the ordinary course of our business.

The use of EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA has certain limitations. Depreciation and amortization expense for various long-term assets, income tax expense, interest expense and interest income have been and will be incurred and are not reflected in the presentation of EBITDA. Further, foreign exchange losses and share-based compensation expenses and gain from the repurchase of its convertible bonds, have been and will be incurred and are not reflected in the presentation of adjusted EBITDA. Each of these items should also be considered in the overall evaluation of our financial results. Additionally, EBITDA does not consider capital expenditures and other investing activities and should not be considered as a measure of our liquidity. Home Inns compensates for these limitations by providing the relevant disclosure of our depreciation and amortization, interest expense and interest income, income tax expense, capital expenditures and other relevant items both in our reconciliations to the U.S. GAAP financial measures and in our consolidated financial statements, all of which should be considered when evaluating our performance. The term EBITDA or adjusted EBITDA is not defined under U.S. GAAP, and EBITDA or adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of net income, operating income, operating performance or liquidity presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. When assessing our operating and financial performance, you should not consider this data in isolation or as a substitute for our net income, operating income or any other operating performance measure that is calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In addition, our EBITDA and adjusted EDITDA may not be comparable to EBITDA or similarly titled measures utilized by other companies since such other companies may not calculate EBITDA in the same manner as we do.

Reconciliations of Home Inns' non-GAAP financial measures, including EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, to consolidated statement of operations information are included at the end of this press release.



                      Home Inns & Hotels Management Inc.
                    Consolidated Balance Sheet Information

                                        December 31, 2007  December 31, 2008
                                              RMB '000    RMB '000   US$ '000
                                             (audited)  (unaudited)(unaudited)
    ASSETS
    Current assets:
    Cash and cash equivalents               1,562,600      608,445     89,182
    Restricted cash                           173,849           --         --
    Short-term investments                         --      100,000     14,657
    Accounts receivable                        16,913       23,263      3,410
    Receivables from related parties            1,372        1,617        237
    Consumables                                18,992       26,885      3,941
    Prepayments and other current assets       61,927       63,904      9,370
    Deferred tax assets, current               16,574       41,824      6,130

    Total current assets                    1,852,227      865,938    126,927

    Property and equipment, net             1,147,682    1,950,900    285,951
    Goodwill                                  397,778      390,882     57,293
    Intangible assets, net                     46,739       44,977      6,592
    Other assets                               68,088       33,177      4,863
    Deferred tax assets, non-current           49,024       77,580     11,371

    Total assets                            3,561,538    3,363,454    492,997

    LIABILITIES
    Current liabilities:
    Accounts payable                           13,007       22,438      3,289
    Payables to related parties                 6,651        6,668        977
    Short-term borrowings                     269,000           --         --
    Salaries and welfare payable               48,260       69,635     10,207
    Income tax payable                         43,083       52,458      7,689
    Other taxes payable                         8,901       12,691      1,860
    Deferred revenues                          23,807       38,082      5,582
    Provisions for customer reward
     program                                    5,439        8,587      1,259
    Other unpaid and accruals                  36,570       52,220      7,654
    Other payables                            350,204      376,739     55,220



    Total current liabilities                 804,922      639,518     93,737

    Deferred rental                            94,226      136,825     20,055
    Deferred revenues, non-current             14,031       22,697      3,327
    Long-term loan                             18,036           --         --
    Deposits from franchised-and-managed
     hotels                                        --       13,741      2,014
    Unfavorable lease liability                19,894       16,017      2,348
    Convertible bond                        1,110,308      895,696    131,286
    Deferred tax liability, non-current        13,637       12,279      1,800

    Total liabilities                       2,075,054    1,736,773    254,567

    Minority interest                          11,087       19,073      2,796

    Commitments and contingencies

    Shareholders' equity
    Ordinary shares (US$0.005 par value;
     200,000,000 shares authorized,
     70,487,385 and 71,212,795 shares
     issued and outstanding as of
     December 31, 2007 and December 31,
     2008, respectively)                        2,874        2,899        425

    Additional paid-in capital              1,362,942    1,393,905    204,310
    Statutory reserves                         41,333       49,994      7,328

    Retained earnings                          68,248      160,810     23,571

    Total shareholders' equity              1,475,397    1,607,608    235,634

    Total liabilities and shareholders'
     equity                                 3,561,538    3,363,454    492,997



    Note 1: The conversion of Renminbi (RMB) into United States dollars (US$)
            is based on the noon buying rate of US$1.00=RMB6.8225 on December
            31, 2008 in The City of New York for cable transfers of RMB as
            certified for customs purpose by Federal Reserve Bank of New York.



                      Home Inns & Hotels Management Inc.
               Consolidated Statement of Operations Information

                                               Quarter Ended
                        December 31,    September 30,         December 31,
                            2007            2008                  2008
                          RMB '000   RMB '000   US$ '000   RMB '000  US$ '000
                        (unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)

    Revenues:
         Leased-and-
          operated
          hotels           312,428   499,409     73,552    507,363     74,366
         Franchised-and-
          managed hotels    15,158    27,907      4,110     31,789      4,659

    Total revenues         327,586   527,316     77,662    539,152     79,025
         Less: Business
          tax and related
          surcharges       (20,348)  (31,153)    (4,588)   (32,222)    (4,723)

    Net revenues           307,238   496,163     73,074    506,930     74,302

    Operating costs and
     expenses:
       Leased-and-
        operated
        hotel costs -
          Rents and
           utilities      (105,658) (170,872)   (25,166)  (188,309)   (27,601)
          Personnel
           costs*          (51,426)  (93,609)   (13,787)   (92,892)   (13,615)
          Depreciation and
           amortization    (29,692)  (50,136)    (7,384)   (57,630)    (8,447)
          Consumables,
           food and
           beverage        (30,348)  (41,818)    (6,159)   (42,201)    (6,186)
          Others           (34,533)  (49,869)    (7,345)   (58,608)    (8,590)

       Total leased-and-
        operated hotel
        costs             (251,657) (406,305)   (59,841)  (439,641)   (64,439)

       Sales and
        marketing
        expenses            (4,839)   (7,407)    (1,091)    (9,641)    (1,413)
       General and
        administrative
        expenses*          (36,809)  (40,631)    (5,984)   (41,131)    (6,029)

    Total operating costs
     and expenses         (293,306) (454,342)   (66,916)  (490,413)   (71,881)

    Income from operations  13,932    41,821      6,158     16,517      2,421

    Interest income          5,552     3,597        530      6,878      1,008
    Interest expense        (1,112)   (5,800)      (854)    (4,703)      (689)
    Other non-operating
     income                  2,767     3,123        460    105,021     15,393
    Foreign exchange gain
     or loss, net          (24,083)   (2,360)      (348)       597         87

    Income before income
     tax expense and
     minority interests     (2,944)   40,381      5,946     124,309     18,220
    Income tax expense     (10,760)   (9,785)    (1,441)    (8,007)    (1,174)
    Minority interests      (1,507)   (1,134)      (167)    (1,715)      (251)

    Net income             (15,212)   29,463      4,338    114,588     16,795



    Net income available
     to ordinary
     shareholders          (15,212)   29,463      4,338    114,588     16,795

    Earnings per share
    - Basic                  -0.22      0.42       0.06       1.61       0.24
    - Diluted                -0.22      0.40       0.06       0.16       0.02

    Weighted average
     ordinary shares
     outstanding
    - Basic                 70,168    70,897     70,897     71,075     71,075
    - Diluted               70,168    78,128     78,128     77,113     77,113

    * Share-based
      compensation
      expense was
      included in the
      statement of
      operations as
      follows:
    Leased-and-operated
     hotel costs -
     Personnel costs             3         3         --          3         --
    General and
     administrative
     expenses                4,604     6,586        970      8,775      1,286


                                                    Year Ended
                                      December 31, 2007    December 31, 2008
                                      RMB '000 US$ '000   RMB '000   US$ '000
                                     (audited) (audited) (unaudited)(unaudited)

    Revenues:
         Leased-and-operated hotels   963,050   132,022   1,771,762   259,694
         Franchised-and-managed
          hotels                       46,266     6,343      99,779    14,625

    Total revenues                  1,009,316   138,365   1,871,541   274,319
         Less: Business tax and
          related surcharges          (60,302)   (8,267)   (111,870)  (16,397)

    Net revenues                      949,014   130,098   1,759,671   257,922

    Operating costs and expenses:
       Leased-and-operated hotel
        costs -
          Rents and utilities        (299,792)  (41,098)   (643,694)  (94,349)
          Personnel costs*           (155,611)  (21,332)   (337,837)  (49,518)
          Depreciation and
           amortization               (85,600)  (11,735)   (190,698)  (27,951)
          Consumables, food and
           beverage                   (84,053)  (11,523)   (143,555)  (21,041)
          Others                      (98,644)  (13,523)   (182,284)  (26,718)

       Total leased-and-operated
        hotel costs                  (723,700)  (99,211) (1,498,068) (219,577)

       Sales and marketing expenses   (19,632)   (2,691)    (27,161)   (3,981)
       General and administrative
        expenses*                     (99,026)  (13,575)   (152,648)  (22,374)

    Total operating costs and
     expenses                        (842,358) (115,477) (1,677,877) (245,932)

    Income from operations            106,656    14,621      81,794    11,990

    Interest income                    31,717     4,348      32,023     4,694
    Interest expense                   (7,168)     (983)    (28,136)   (4,124)
    Other non-operating income          8,434     1,156     114,263    16,748
    Foreign exchange gain or loss,
     net                              (53,221)   (7,296)    (65,524)   (9,604)

    Income before income tax
     expense and minority interests    86,418    11,846     134,419    19,704
    Income tax expense                (45,035)   (6,174)    (28,108)   (4,120)
    Minority interests                 (5,627)     (771)     (5,087)     (746)

    Net income                         35,756     4,901     101,225    14,838



    Net income available to
     ordinary shareholders             35,756     4,901     101,225    14,838

    Earnings per share
    - Basic                              0.52      0.07        1.43      0.21

    - Diluted                            0.47      0.06        0.04      0.01

    Weighted average ordinary
     shares outstanding
    - Basic                            68,323    68,323      70,863    70,863

    - Diluted                          76,884    76,884      78,037    78,037

    * Share-based compensation
      expense was included in the
      statement of operations as
      follows:
    Leased-and-operated hotel costs
     - Personnel costs                     11         2          11         2
    General and administrative
     expenses                          15,060     2,065      24,833     3,640


    Note 1: The conversion of Renminbi (RMB) into United States dollars (US$)
            is based on the noon buying rate of US$1.00=RMB6.8225 on December
            31, 2008 in The City of New York for cable transfers of RMB as
            certified for customs purpose by Federal Reserve Bank of New York.



                      Home Inns & Hotels Management Inc.
                 Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results

                                    Quarter Ended December 31, 2008
                                        Share-
                                 % of   based   Restruct- % of   Non-   % of
                          GAAP   Total  Compen-  uring   Total   GAAP   Total
                         Result Revenue sation   costs  Revenue Result Revenue
                        RMB '000       RMB '000 RMB '000       RMB '000

    Leased-and-operated
     hotel costs       (439,641) 81.5%       3      --    0.0% (439,638) 81.5%
    Sales and marketing
     expenses            (9,641)  1.8%      --      --    0.0%   (9,641)  1.8%
    General and
     administrative
     expenses           (41,131)  7.6%   8,775      --    1.6%  (32,356)  6.0%

    Total operating
     costs and
     expenses          (490,413) 90.9%   8,778      --    1.6% (481,635) 89.3%

    Income from
     operations          16,517   3.1%   8,778      --    1.6%   25,294   4.7%



                                     Quarter Ended December 31, 2008
                                        Share-
                                 % of   based   Restruct- % of   Non-   % of
                          GAAP   Total  Compen-  uring   Total   GAAP   Total
                         Result Revenue sation   costs  Revenue Result Revenue
                        US$ '000       US$ '000 US$ '000       US$ '000

    Leased-and-operated
     hotel costs        (64,439) 81.5%      --       --   0.0%  (64,439) 81.5%
    Sales and marketing
     expenses            (1,413)  1.8%      --       --   0.0%   (1,413)  1.8%
    General and
     administrative
     expenses            (6,029)  7.6%   1,286       --   1.6%   (4,743)  6.0%

    Total operating
     costs and expenses (71,881) 90.9%   1,286       --   1.6%  (70,595) 89.3%

    Income from
     operations           2,421   3.1%   1,286       --   1.6%    3,707   4.7%



                                   Quarter Ended September 30, 2008
                                        Share-
                                 % of   based   Restruct- % of   Non-   % of
                          GAAP   Total  Compen-  uring   Total   GAAP   Total
                         Result Revenue sation   costs  Revenue Result Revenue
                        RMB '000       RMB '000 RMB '000       RMB '000

    Leased-and-operated
     hotel costs       (406,305) 77.1%       3      --    0.0% (406,302) 77.1%
    Sales and marketing
     expenses            (7,407)  1.4%      --      --    0.0%   (7,407)  1.4%
    General and
     administrative
     expenses           (40,631)  7.7%   6,586      --    1.2%  (34,045)  6.5%

    Total operating
     costs and
     expenses          (454,342) 86.2%   6,589      --    1.2% (447,753) 84.9%

    Income from
     operations          41,821   7.9%   6,589      --    1.2%   48,410   9.2%



                                    Quarter Ended December 31, 2007
                                        Share-
                                 % of   based   Restruct- % of   Non-   % of
                          GAAP   Total  Compen-  uring   Total   GAAP   Total
                         Result Revenue sation   costs  Revenue Result Revenue
                        RMB '000       RMB '000 RMB '000       RMB '000
    Leased-and-operated
     hotel costs       (251,657) 76.8%       3     550    0.2% (251,104) 76.7%
    Sales and marketing
     expenses            (4,839)  1.5%      --      --    0.0%   (4,839)  1.5%
    General and
     administrative
     expenses           (36,809) 11.2%   4,604   4,076    2.6%  (28,129)  8.6%

    Total operating
     costs and
     expenses          (293,306) 89.5%   4,607   4,626    2.8% (284,073) 86.7%

    Income from
     operations          13,932   4.3%   4,607   4,626    2.8%   23,165   7.1%



                                   Year Ended December 31, 2008
                                      Share-
                               % of   based   Restruct- % of    Non-    % of
                        GAAP   Total  Compen-  uring   Total    GAAP    Total
                       Result Revenue sation   costs  Revenue  Result  Revenue
                      RMB '000       RMB '000 RMB '000        RMB '000
    Leased-and-
     operated
     hotel costs    (1,498,068) 80.0%      11     --    0.0% (1,498,057) 80.0%
    Sales and
     marketing
     expenses          (27,161)  1.5%      --     --    0.0%    (27,161)  1.5%
    General and
     administrative
     expenses         (152,648)  8.2%  24,833     --    1.3%   (127,815)  6.8%
    Total
     operating
     costs and
     expenses       (1,677,877) 89.7%  24,844     --    1.3% (1,653,033) 88.3%

    Income from
     operations         81,794   4.4%  24,844     --    1.3%    106,638   5.7%



                                     Year Ended December 31, 2008
                                        Share-
                                 % of   based   Restruct- % of   Non-   % of
                          GAAP   Total  Compen-  uring   Total   GAAP   Total
                         Result Revenue sation   costs  Revenue Result Revenue
                        US$ '000       US$ '000 US$ '000       US$ '000

    Leased-and-operated
     hotel costs        (219,578) 80.0%      2      --    0.0% (219,576) 80.0%
    Sales and marketing
     expenses             (3,981)  1.5%     --      --    0.0%   (3,981)  1.5%
    General and
     administrative
     expenses            (22,374)  8.2%  3,640      --    1.3%  (18,734)  6.8%

    Total operating
     costs and expenses (245,933) 89.7%  3,641      --    1.3% (242,291) 88.3%

    Income from
     operations           11,989   4.4%  3,641      --    1.3%   15,630   5.7%



                                    Year Ended December 31, 2007
                                      Share-
                               % of   based   Restruct- % of    Non-    % of
                        GAAP   Total  Compen-  uring   Total    GAAP    Total
                       Result Revenue sation   costs  Revenue  Result  Revenue
                      RMB '000       RMB '000 RMB '000        RMB '000
    Leased-and-
     operated
     hotel costs     (723,700) 71.7%       11      550   0.1% (723,139)  71.6%
    Sales and
     marketing
     expenses         (19,632)  1.9%       --       --   0.0%  (19,632)   1.9%
    General and
     administrative
     expenses         (99,026)  9.8%   15,060    4,076   1.9%  (79,890)   7.9%

    Total operating
     costs and
     expenses        (842,358) 83.5%   15,071    4,626   2.0% (822,661)  81.5%

    Income from
     operations       106,656  10.6%   15,071    4,626   2.0%  126,353   12.5%


    Note 1: The conversion of Renminbi (RMB) into United States dollars (US$)
            is based on the noon buying rate of US$1.00=RMB6.8225 on December
            31, 2008 in The City of New York for cable transfers of RMB as
            certified for customs purpose by Federal Reserve Bank of New York.



                      Home Inns & Hotels Management Inc.
           Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results (continued)

                                                 Quarter Ended
                               December 31, September 30,     December 31,
                                   2007         2008             2008
                                 RMB '000     RMB '000    RMB '000   US$ '000
                               (unaudited)  (unaudited) (unaudited)(unaudited)


    Net income (GAAP)            (15,211)      29,463      114,588     16,795
          Foreign exchange
           losses (gains),
           net                    24,083        2,360         (597)       (87)
          Share-based
           compensation            4,607        6,589        8,778      1,286
          Non-recurring charge
           for re-measurement
           of net deferred tax
           assets (Note 2)            --           --           --         --
         Reconstructuring costs    4,626           --           --         --
         CB buy-back gains            --           --     (103,291)   (15,140)
    Adjusted net income excluding
     foreign exchange losses,
     share-based compensation,
     non-recurring provision
     for deferred tax assets,
     reconstructuring costs and
     CB buy-back gains            18,105       38,412       19,478      2,854



                                                      Year Ended
                                            December 31,     December 31,
                                              2007              2008
                                             RMB '000    RMB '000    US$ '000
                                            (audited)  (unaudited) (unaudited)


    Net income (GAAP)                         35,756      101,225      14,838
          Foreign exchange losses
           (gains), net                       53,221       65,524       9,604
          Share-based compensation            15,071       24,844       3,642
          Non-recurring charge for re-
           measurement of net deferred
           tax assets (Note 2)                 6,097           --          --
         Reconstructuring costs                4,626           --          --
         CB buy-back gains                        --     (103,291)    (15,140)
    Adjusted net income excluding foreign
     exchange losses, share-based
     compensation, non-recurring
     provision for deferred tax assets,
     reconstructuring costs and CB
     buy-back gains                          114,771       88,302      12,944



                                                   Quarter Ended
                                 December 31, September 30,   December 31,
                                    2007         2008             2008
                                  RMB '000     RMB '000    RMB '000  US$ '000
                                (unaudited)   (unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)

    Earnings per share (GAAP)
    - Basic                         -0.22          0.42       1.61       0.24
    - Diluted                       -0.22          0.40       0.16       0.02

    Earnings per share excluding
     foreign exchange losses,
     share-based compensation,
     non-recurring provision for
     deferred tax assets,
     reconstructuring costs and
     CB buy-back gains
    - Basic                           0.26         0.54       0.27       0.04
    - Diluted                         0.23         0.51       0.27       0.04

    Weighted average ordinary shares
     outstanding
    - Basic                         70,168       70,897     71,075     71,075
    - Diluted                       78,504       78,128     77,113     77,113


                                                       Year Ended
                                           December 31,      December 31,
                                               2007             2008
                                             RMB '000    RMB '000    US$ '000
                                            (audited)  (unaudited) (unaudited)

    Earnings per share (GAAP)
    - Basic                                     0.52        1.43        0.21
    - Diluted                                   0.47        0.04        0.01

    Earnings per share excluding foreign
     exchange losses, share-based
     compensation, non-recurring
     provision for deferred tax assets,
     reconstructuring costs and CB buy-
     back gains
    - Basic                                     1.68        1.25        0.18
    - Diluted                                   1.49        1.20        0.18

    Weighted average ordinary shares
     outstanding
    - Basic                                   68,323      70,863      70,863
    - Diluted                                 76,884      78,037      78,037



    Note 1: The conversion of Renminbi (RMB) into United States dollars (US$)
            is based on the noon buying rate of US$1.00=RMB6.8225 on December
            31, 2008 in The City of New York for cable transfers of RMB as
            certified for customs purpose by Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

    Note 2: For the year ended December?31, 2007, income tax expenses included
            a non-recurring charge of RMB6,096,529 (US$789,379) for re-
            measurement of net deferred tax assets recognised before January
            1, 2007, which was resulted from the change of income tax rates
            for most Chinese enterprises from 33% at the present to 25%
            effective on January 1, 2008. (for the year ended December 31,
            2006: Nil)



                      Home Inns & Hotels Management Inc.
           Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results (continued)

                                              Quarter Ended
                         December 31,   September 30,         December 31,
                             2007           2008                  2008
                          RMB '000  RMB '000    US$ '000   RMB '000  US$ '000
                        (unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)


    Net income (GAAP)     (15,211)    29,463      4,338    114,588     16,795
      Interest income      (5,552)    (3,597)      (530)    (6,878)    (1,008)
      Interest expenses     1,112      5,800        854      4,703        689
      Income tax expense   10,760      9,785      1,441      8,007      1,174
      Depreciation and
       amortization        30,880     52,066      7,668     60,761      8,906

    EBITDA (Non-GAAP)      21,989     93,516     13,771    181,181     26,556

      Foreign exchange
       losses, net         24,083      2,360        348       (597)       (87)
      Share-based
       compensation         4,607      6,589        970      8,778      1,287
      Reconstructuring
       costs                4,626         --         --         --         --
      CB buy-back gains        --         --         --   (103,291)   (15,140)
    EBITDA excluding
     foreign exchange
     losses, share-based
     compensation,
     reconstructuring costs
     and CB buy-back gains  55,305   102,465     15,089     86,071     12,615

    % of total revenue       16.9%     19.4%      19.4%      16.0%      16.0%


                                                   Year Ended
                                    December 31, 2007     December 31, 2008
                                    RMB '000 US$ '000    RMB '000   US$ '000
                                   (audited)(audited)   (unaudited)(unaudited)


    Net income (GAAP)                35,756    4,902       101,225   14,838
      Interest income               (31,717)  (4,348)      (32,023)  (4,694)
      Interest expenses               7,168      983        28,136    4,124
      Income tax expense             45,036    6,174        28,108    4,120
      Depreciation and amortization  88,011   12,065       198,500   29,095

    EBITDA (Non-GAAP)               144,254   19,776       323,946   47,483

      Foreign exchange losses, net   53,221    7,296        65,524    9,604
      Share-based compensation       15,071    2,066        24,844    3,642
      Reconstructuring costs          4,626      634            --       --
      CB buy-back gains                  --       --      (103,291) (15,140)
    EBITDA excluding foreign
     exchange losses, share-based
     compensation, reconstructuring
     costs and CB buy-back gains     217,172  29,772       311,023   45,589

    % of total revenue                 21.5%   21.5%         16.6%    16.6%



                      Home Inns & Hotels Management Inc.
                                Operating Data

                                            As of and for the quarter ended
                                        December 31, September 30, December 31,
                                             2007        2008          2008

    Total Hotels in operation:                266         414           471
          Lease-and-operated hotels           195         291           326
          Franchised-and-managed hotels        71         123           145

    Total rooms                            32,726      49,459        55,631

    Occupancy rate (as a percentage)        88.3%       85.9%         84.1%

    Average daily rate (in RMB)               176         180           167

    RevPAR (in RMB)                           155         155           141


    Like-for-like performance for hotels opened for at least 18 months during
    the current quarter

                                              As of and for the quarter ended
                                               Dec 31, 2007      Dec 31, 2008
    Total Hotels in operation:                         169               169
          Lease-and-operated hotels                    118               118
          Franchised-and-managed hotels                 51                51

    Total rooms                                     20,588            20,588

    Occupancy rate (as a percentage)                 98.5%             94.8%

    Average daily rate (in RMB)                        184               183

    RevPAR (in RMB)                                    180               173



    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    Home Inns & Hotels Management Inc.
     Ethan Ruan
     Tel:   +86-21-3401-9898 x2004
     Email: zjruan@homeinns.com

    FD Beijing
     Peter Schmidt
     Tel:   +86-10-8591-1953
     Email: peter.schmidt@fd.com

SOURCE  Home Inns & Hotels Management Inc.

    -0-                             03/05/2009
    /CONTACT: Home Inns & Hotels Management Inc., Ethan Ruan, +86-21-3401-9898
x2004, zjruan@homeinns.com or FD Beijing, Peter Schmidt, +86-10-8591-1953,
peter.schmidt@fd.com for Home Inns & Hotels Management Inc./
    /Web site: http://english.homeinns.com/
    (HMIN)

CO:  Home Inns & Hotels Management Inc.

ST:  China
IN:  TRA LEI
SU:  ERN ERP CCA



MS-LG
-- CNTH034 --
9428 03/05/2009 17:00 EST http://www.prnewswire.com